MEAL MAKERS

Sophie Beckett-smith, large appliance expert at ao.com, advises on buying a new cooker:

Freestanding or range cookers are an ideal choice for the kitchen as they wrap up oven space and a hob on top in one product, but there are a number of things to consider when looking to purchase one.

Firstly, consider the fuel type:

› Electric – most electric ovens use a fan to help spread heat around for even cooking.

› Gas – offers precise control on the hob while a gas oven creates moist conditions that are ideal for roasts and baking.

› Dual fuel – this has the flexibility of both gas and electricity. Typically, the hob is gas for instant heat, with an electric oven for a consistent cook.

When deciding, you need to think about what your kitchen is already set up to cater for, but also your cooking style. For example, if you bake, an electric cooker may be preferable as it distributes heat equally. If you’re an avid cook in the kitchen, however, then a gas or induction hob might be more suitable as this is similar to the style of a professional kitchen.

Power supply for this type of appliance does very much depend on your choice of fuel, but due to their larger size, particularly with range cookers, most will require at least a 32 amp outlet.

These cooker models now offer a choice of ovens, too, and many freestanding ones tend to feature two-cavity cooker ovens, which is great when you need the extra space. If you enjoy making lots of casseroles, roast dinners or cooking for large groups, range cookers are the perfect option as they have as many as four cavities for oven cooking and up to seven burners on the hob in the larger sizes.